THERE are plenty of exciting events happening in Cirencester this month - including the town’s popular Advent Market and the switch-on of the Christmas lights.

Events to look out for in November on top of the regular Charter, Farmers’, Arts & Crafts and Indoor markets include a General Market on Saturday, November 16.

This is happening in Cirencester’s Market Place from 9am to 5pm and features traders from the town’s Charter Markets, Farmers’ Markets and more.

A Vintage & Artisan Fair is also taking place at the Corn Hall on Sunday, November 17 from 10am to 4pm.

Helping to kick off the Christmas season, meanwhile, is an Xmas Gift Market in the Market Place from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, November 24.

The Advent Market & Light Switch-On - a highlight in the Cirencester calendar - will take place in the town centre on Saturday, November 30 from 10am to 6pm.

The market will continue on Sunday, December 1.

Cirencester’s streets will host over 200 stalls across the two days, with different traders on both.

The Food Plaza will be back on the main Market Place, featuring artisan food and drink stalls with tables and benches.

There will be additional seating, stalls and activities in West Market Place.

Cirencester’s Light Switch-On ceremony, featuring town mayor Sarah Orr, will be broadcast on three big screens located on the Market Place and West Market Place rather than a stage.

This is to allow more space for crowd safety. The show will take place between 3.55pm and 4.35pm.

It will be followed by a short, low-noise firework display to celebrate the start of Advent. West Market Place will feature family entertainment, Santa and his sleigh and helpers from Cirencester Round Table.

There will also be hot chestnut and toasted marshmallow sellers, performances and a chance to sparkle for the camera at an Instagram-worthy selfie station.

November 30 additionally sees the launch of the Snowman Trail for 2024.

Participants can check out local shops and find the trail’s willow snowmen, who will be returning with a new challenge this year.

Will you find them all and decipher the Christmas-themed word?

Entry forms will be available from Cirencester Local Information Centre at Bingham House in Dyer Street, as well as at all the businesses hosting a snowman.

Entries will also be accepted online.

Road closures will be in place in the town centre between 5.30pm on Friday, November 29 and midnight on Sunday, December 1.

These will be managed by the AA, and there will be signed diversions in place.

There will be access for householders affected, but deliveries and contractors must be arranged outside the closure times.

Dollar Street will offer access only, while Gosditch Street will be closed from Loveday Mews.

Cricklade Street will be closed at the Castle Street junction, and Castle Street itself will be closed at the Silver Street junction.

Dyer Street will be closed at the North Way junction, while Black Jack Street will be closed at the Park Street junction.

For more details on events in Cirencester, visit cirencester.gov.uk